‘CSI’ Revival Nears Series Order at CBS, Adds Three to Cast

Elaine Low
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

CBS is nearing a series order for what would be an event-series revival of crime-lab procedural “CSI,” with Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria and Mel Rodriguez joining the cast, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The Anthony Zuiker and Jerry Bruckheimer series, which aired from 2000-2015, was a longtime hit for the broadcaster. Centering on the crime-solvers of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, the original cast starred William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, George Eads, Gary Dourdan, Jorja Fox, Paul Guilfoyle, Robert David Hall, and Eric Szmanda. In later seasons, Laurence Fishburne and Ted Danson succeeded Petersen in the lead role.

More from Variety

This iteration has added Newsome, a longtime film, TV and stage actor. She is most recently known for her performance opposite Henry Winkler and Bill Hader as detective Janice Moss in HBO’s “Barry,” as well as a 12-episode arc on NBC’s “Chicago Med.” Other television credits include “City of Angels,” “Suits,” “Transparent,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “NCIS,” “Suburgatory,” and “How to Get Away with Murder.” Newsome is repped by BRS/Gage Talent Agency and Fox Rothschild.

Lauria, who recently filmed Michael Morris’ “To Leslie” opposite Allison Janney and Andrea Riseborough, currently stars opposite Juno Temple in the Sky TV series “Little Birds.” He spent four seasons on DirecTV’s “Kingdom,” and has also appeared in UFC drama “Ryan Wheeler,” CBS All Access’ “Tell Me a Story” and Apple TV Plus’ “Dickenson.” Lauria is repped by Principal Entertainment Los Angeles, William Morris Endeavor and Ziffren Brittenham.

Rodriguez was most recently in Showtime’s “On Becoming a God in Central Florida” opposite Kirsten Dunst and Beth Ditto. Previously, he has appeared Dee Ree’s “The Last Thing He Wanted” on Netflix, Fox’s “The Last Man on Earth,” Lionsgate’s “Overboard,” and comedy “Getting On,” among other projects.

CBS declined to comment. The “CSI” revival has not yet been given an official series pickup.

As Variety previously reported a year ago, Jason Tracey had been tapped to write the script.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.